Postoperative VAS pain scores (scale of 0-10 for each; 0= no pain, 10= worst pain imaginable) were evaluated as a function of resting, coughing, sneezing and general movement. The sum of these was used to derive an "Activity Based Total Visual Analog Pain Score", (scale of 0-40; 0= no pain, 40= worst pain imaginable). For this primary endpoint analysis, the total score at 6 months was evaluated.

The goal of this study is to evaluate sternal osteosynthesis, chest wall pain and return to normal activity in open heart surgery patients who had their breast bone closed either with wires or plates.

Detailed Description

Median sternotomy patients will be randomized to either wire or rigid fixation groups. A scheduled evaluation period will record clinical parameters. Enrollment has ended with one hundred forty (140) patients.